If you deal with oily skin, clogged pores, and acne, you’ve probably been looking for a solution for a long time.
You’re definitely not alone. Many people struggle to manage their oily skin. And it’s no wonder. That oiliness occurs when your skin produces too much of the natural oil called “sebum.” There are tons of products out there that promise to help you wash away that excess sebum. However, a lot of those products contain harsh chemicals that remove too much oil, leaving your skin dehydrated.
And what does dehydrated skin do?
It produces more. Dang. Oil.
For anyone dealing with oily skin and acne, skin care is a delicate balance. You need to find the exact right products with the exact right ingredients for the exact right routine.
On the plus side, all this exact-rightness is totally achievable. You just need a few pointers like these:
How Do I Know If My Skin Is Considered Oily
First things first:
You need to be able to accurately identify and make sense of your oil situation.
Clear signs of oily skin include:
- Shiny skin
- Large, visible pores,
- Frequent blackheads, whiteheads, and acne
- Rough or thick texture
- Clogged pores
Oiliness occurs when your skin over-produces sebum. This oil is wonderful in moderation. Sebum is responsible for making your skin soft and supple. In excess, however, more sebum results in bigger oil glands, bigger pores, and a build-up of oil on the surface of the skin. As we know all-too-well, the next steps are 1) clogged pores and 2) acne.
So why does your skin produce more sebum than it needs?
It really depends on your unique situation. It may simply be genetic. Oily skin and acne can also result from hormonal changes due to your period, lifestyle, or pregnancy. If you’re just now dealing with clogged pores and greasy skin, you might want to take note of any recent changes. Is there anything new going on with your diet, hormones, or overall health? Noting these differences might lead you to a solution. Or—at the very least—it might reassure you that this oily situation could be temporary.
Even so, you do need a solution for the moment. Here are some next steps.
Best Practices for Cleansing Oily Skin
Assuming you’re using a gentle cleanser formulated for oily skin (more on that in a moment), you want to cleanse your face morning and night. For your evening routine, it’s a particularly good idea to use a gentle make-up remover before your cleanser. That way, you get the top layer of gunk out of the way before letting your cleanser do a deep-clean to decongest those clogged pores.
When you wash your face, opt for lukewarm water. Hot water dries out your skin and encourages even more production of sebum. Then, pat your face gently with a soft towel. Friction with a rough towel also stimulates oil production.
Now, let’s talk ingredients.
All-Natural Ingredients That Fight Oily Skin
Oil and acne can seem like a big problem requiring heavy-duty solutions. We get it. It’s mighty tempting to look for a hardcore, industrial-strength acne destroyer to balance out your skin.
Fight the temptation. Don’t touch those chemical-heavy skin care products. Harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances irritate your skin, cause breakouts, and can even cause an allergic reaction . . . as if you need one more skin problem to manage.
Choose an all-natural cleanser. Certified organic is even better.
Glycerin Is Important In Skin Cleansers
When you’re cleanser shopping, look for “glycerin” in the ingredients.
Glycerin is a non-greasy, plant-based oil that hydrates your skin without stimulating sebum production or layering on shine. A cleanser containing glycerin is your best bet for striking that perfect balance of washing away impurities without drying out the skin. This wonder ingredient also helps you keep the skin moisturized, which may help discourage overactive oil glands.
Choose Ingredients with Antioxidants and Antibacterial Properties
Again, it’s best to find these qualities in nature.
Our favorite sources for skin protection and repair are olive oil and coconut oil. Don’t let the word “oil” worry you. Remember: oil itself is not a bad thing. What we’re trying to do is regulate the oil left on your skin and repair the damage done through clogged pores. And sometimes, well . . . you gotta fight oil with oil.
For example, olive oil can battle a variety of bacterial infections, including acne. This particular plant-based oil is also loaded with vitamins, including Vitamin A, which is a rockstar when it comes to combating breakouts. Plus, olive oil contains antioxidants to protect your skin from free radicals like pollution that can try to turn clogged pores into unstoppable acne.
Coconut oil is another great go-to. This oil contains lauric acid, a fatty acid with natural antibacterial properties. Lauric acid is a reliable weapon against acne and inflammation. Not to mention, the gentle moisturizing qualities of coconut oil make this ingredient another tool for avoiding sebum-stimulating dehydration.
While natural ingredients like these are great in a cleanser, it should be noted that applying olive oil or coconut oil alone will likely lead to clogged pores. Choose a cleanser that has been expertly formulated to give you the benefits of plant-based oils without overwhelming your skin.
We recommend checking out Le Lores Natural & Organic Olive Marseille French Soap. It checks all the boxes for oily skin care and has been a life-changer for people struggling with acne.
But no matter where your search for the perfect cleanser begins, just know that your solution is out there. Be deliberate. Be selective. And be excited to finally uncover the complexion you deserve.